Royale Black

The Scent Profile

Royale Black opens with a recognizable saffron blast, mimicking Oud for Greatness quite closely. The nutmeg is present, adding a warmth, but the lavender feels somewhat muted and less nuanced compared to the original. The heart delivers the expected oud accord, a synthetic approximation, but nonetheless present. It's woodier, less refined, than the Initio, and lacks that signature medicinal quality. The dry down shifts towards patchouli and musk. Here, Royale Black diverges more noticeably. The patchouli is earthy, bordering on dirty, while the musk provides a clean counterpoint. It’s about 85% similar to Oud for Greatness in the opening and mid, dropping to perhaps 85% in the base due to the patchouli's character.

The Performance Stats

Initial projection is strong, filling a room for the first hour. It gradually settles to a more moderate sillage, lasting for a solid 6-7 hours on skin. On clothing, it lingers longer, pushing past 10 hours. Performance is adequate point. The synthetic oud is detectable, but the overall composition remains pleasant. If you crave the Oud for Greatness DNA but cannot justify the expense, this is a viable option. However, those seeking the genuine article's smoothness and complexity will ultimately be disappointed. Emotionally, perhaps. Royale Black is best suited for casual wear or those new to oud fragrances.